Chevy EVs: Are these the Cheapest of all Available EVs

It’s when people are fast switching from fossil to electric; however, the average price of an electric vehicle compared to a gas-only vehicle is so high for a middle American (around %60,000), and it’s nearly a year’s income for a medium US citizen.

However, Chevrolet has opened a new opportunity for EV aspirants against costly Tesla and Audis by introducing its cheap chevy EVs starting from $28,195, which is the vehicle the US still needs.

Chevy EVs

Chevrolet CEO Mary Barra announced that Chevy EVs like Equinox would start at %30,000. Since then, most EV makers have raised prices for their autos due to economic crunch and inflation across the world. But Chevy is firmed not to raise the costs and keep it to the entry-level of %30,000.

Vice president of global sales at Chevy EVs—Scott Bell—further announced we would leave no stone unturned in keeping the price in this range, and he termed it a challenge to make an EV for everyone.

However, it is yet to be seen how Chevy would keep to its word in emerging scenarios. Let’s discuss some of Chevy EVs in detail.

Bolt EUV

Bolt EUV might not be the fastest or coolest EV on the market, but it is one of the most affordable.

Chevrolet is fast expanding its EV models, most of which are standard features, including cheap upfront costs. It’s best suited for those who desire efficiency and capability equally.

It is designed with hands-free SuperCruise™ advanced hands-fee driving technology. SuperCruise hands-free system only becomes operational when the separator divides the incoming traffic, and the function is on if you see the green bar on the steering top; the same bar will be blue for the manual steering). It brings new levels of on-road convenience to the user.

SuperCruise technology of Bolt EUV has put it on the same footing with the Autopilot-featured, costlier — the Tesla.

Having a spacious EV is the dream of every owner, and its cargo space is about 57 cubic feet; it will best meet your cargo requirements in the way you want.

Overview

EV Bolt EUV is the hatchback of the regular EV Bolt that supersedes it by sheet metal and much more looks like an SUV—and that type of body is Americans’ favorite. Its 200-hp electric motor powers only the front wheels.

Many of its features, such as Super Cruise hands-free driving, put it at par with other rivals like the Ford Mustang, Hyundai Kona, and Tesla Model Y. Recent reduction in prices has also given it an MSRP advantage over other EVs that upfront cost is much higher—despite standing eligible for a federal tax credit of $7,500—but the Chevy is not eligible for that tax credit.  

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The same powertrain is used in all Bolt EUVs with a 200-horsepower electric motor and front-wheel drive. There is no option for all-wheel drive in these models. Acceleration is comparatively perky due to the maximum power delivery that’s the hallmark of electric motors. Its regenerative braking facilitates single-pedal driving, and recapturing power helps extend the EVs mileage.

The electric motor provides fast acceleration and can get 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Range, Battery Life, and Charging

All EUVs are designed with battery packs of 65.0 kWh and an estimated range of 247 miles, and that figure is competitive with most other all-electric SUVs. It is usually charged by a 120 Volt household Level 1 charger, but the buyers prefer to charge it via a Level 2, 240 Volt charger for comparatively fast charging. A DC fast charger can also charge it at a rate of 95 miles in 30 minutes.

Interior and Cargo

The cabin of the Bolt looks very stylish. A push button for gear selection and flat bottom steering is available in all models. Its rear-seat legroom provides enough space, and its three-inch more and wider, taller and longer than a standard Bolt.

It has enough cargo space for people to keep their luggage and other cargo. 

Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard features include a 10.2″ touchscreen, integrated climate control, and digital gauge display. Apple Carplay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspots are other features.

A driver can also connect with the Bolt through a smartphone app, and it can also connect to nearby charging stations and send charging alerts to the EV owner.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

To buy Bolt EUV with a hands-free driving system will cost more, and for information about Bolt EUV test-crash results, one should go to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

However, some of the safety features are the following:

• Pedestrian detection and emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Hands-free driving mode with adaptive cruise control

Maintenance and warranty

The company offers a limited warranty for Bolt’s components of the electric train, including the first maintenance visit. However, the overall warranty coverage needs to catch up to Hyundai.

• Free maintenance includes one servicing visit
• Electric components warranty for eight years/100,000 miles
• limited warranty for 36,000 miles
• The warranty for the powertrain is for five years or 60,000 miles.

 With a price range of %28,000, it has turned out to be the cheapest EV in America after a price cut. Its battery range is 247 miles with a single charge, and it’s the highest with a comparatively small battery pack. Bolt EUV Premier will, however, cost for %37,000 after a price cut.

Up to five people can take a seat inside the Bolt EUV. Cloth upholstery, six-way manually adjustable front seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel are standard.

All Bolt EVs are designed with 65.0-kWh batteries. Its EPA estimated range is 247 miles. 

Gains:

Roomy for its size, a quick electric powertrain, and plenty of technology, along with accessible Mega Cruise

Losses:

Ordinary styling, usual interior design, and average performance.

Specifications:

• Upfront cost: As low as $27,000
• Bolt EUV Premier: $37,000
• Running cost: low
• Seats: 5
• Battery weight: 947 pounds
• Battery kWh: 65.0
• Wallbox charging time 
• Fast charging time: 7 hours
• Charging rate: 55kW
• Cargo Space: 56.9 cubic feet                   
• Weight: 3680 to 3715
• Range 247 miles (EPA estimates)
• Acceleration 0 to 60 in 7 seconds
• Driveline: front-wheel drive
• Doors: 4
• Top speed: 90.1 mph  
• Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Peak power 200 horsepower
• Available Adaptive Cruise Control hands-free driving
  
• Available Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Dimensions: 70″ L x 70″ W x 64″ H
• EPA rating of 115 MPGe
• minimum ground clearance: 5.5 inches

Bolt EV

After the announcement of a price reduction of $6,000 to $25,600 in earlier 2022, it was a welcome gesture by the Chevy company for the EV owners. Bolt EV is a 4-door, 5-star safety-rated sporty EV with a real-time EPA estimated range of 259 miles, an extra-ordinary inside space, and a surprisingly spacious interior; most Chevy owners will find it familiar to them.

It is known to be the most affordable EV for Americans. It’s an EV powered by a 200hp electric motor, designed only for front-wheel drive. With distinctive out-of-the-mainstream in and exterior styling, it combines advanced technology and remains the best.

It also has the capability of DC Level 3 fast charging, and according to Chevy, in 30 minutes, it adds 100 miles of range.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Almost all EV models, including 2023, are identical regarding chassis, powertrain, and other features. It produces 266 pound-feet of torque with a 200 hp electric motor to the front wheels. This system offers a quick response to accelerate the vehicle. Low-speed torque is high, but it is less active on highways.

One pedal driving mode is also available that can be switched by a button which increases the role of regenerative braking to the level that one rarely needs to apply brakes to stop the vehicle. By doing so, it also produces additional energy to charge the battery.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

It has an EPA rating of 120 MPGe compared to 102 MPGe of the last EV Bolt in real-time test, roughly representing 180 miles of highway range. The range can considerably be improved if you drive smoothly and at a lower speed.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Bolt 2023 has an EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge. This range is competitive with the same-priced Hyundai Kona all-electric and Tesla Model 3; the range is 353, and the price is a little more than Bolt EV.

Bolt EV comes with dual-level charging cords plugged into Level 1, 120 Volt, and 240 Volt Level 2 charger outlets, so there is no way to buy an additional home charger. Its battery is fully charged in seven hours with 11 kW of charging speed and charged for 100 miles in 30 minutes if used on a fast charger.

Interior and Cargo

Chevy upgrades the interior of the Bolt EV with a lavish design. A complex set of keys and switches has replaced the old electric gear knob. Its cargo room is the same as in earlier models, with rear seats having enough room for two adults and fronts, making it more luxurious and cozy. After folding the rear seats, the total cargo space is around 57 cubic feet.

Connectivity and Infotainment 

A 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen system with wireless Car Play and Android Auto is the hallmark of every Bolt EV. A wireless smartphone charging port and Wi-Fi hotspot are available too in this model. 

It offers built-in apps fully compatible with Spotify music services and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates, physical knobs for volume control, and shortcut buttons for the home screen. 

Safety and Features for Driver-Assistance

The 2023 Bolt EV includes a slew of standard and optional driver-assistance features. The hatchback can be armed with a 360-degree camera system and rear cross-traffic alert in addition to the traditional automatic high beams and front motion detection.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for more information on the Bolt EV’s crash-test results. The following are important safety features:

Maintenance Coverage and warranty

It only offers a limited warranty for electric powertrain components and includes the first free service visit. However, generally, the coverage falls short of Hyundai’s.

• 3-year or 36,000 miles of the limited warranty
• The warranty for the powertrain is valid for 100,000 miles or eight years.
• Free maintenance includes one scheduled visit.

HIGHS

• Low upfront price, roomy interior for a small car, and reasonable range.
• Range is 259-mile
• Lowest new electric car price
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

LOWS

• No option for all-wheel-drive.
• Not eligible for federal tax

VERDICT

• Its low upfront cost makes it an alternative to more costly and lavish EVs.
• New paint choice

Specifications

• Upfront cost: As low as $25,600
• Running cost: low
• Seats: 5
• Battery weight: 960 lb (440 kg)
• Battery kWh: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 66.0 kWh
• Wallbox charging time (2.3 kW): 28h42m 
• Fast charging time: 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes
• Cargo Space: Cargo volume: 17 ft3
• Weight: 3589 to 3624 Ibs
• Range 259 miles (EPA estimates)
• EPA rating: 120 MPGe
• Acceleration 0 to 60—6.5 seconds
• Top speed: 93 miles p/h (Approximately)
• Torque:266 pound-feet
• Transmission: single-speed direct drive
• Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Peak power 200 horsepower
• a federal tax credit of up to $7,500
• 10.3-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
• HD Surround Vision, including an HD Rear Vision Camera

Equinox EV

Overview

Chevy announced the starting price for Equinox standard EV at about $30,000 in 2023 when it will be offered for sale, and initially, its two trim levels will be available; LT and RS. 

Exceptional design, with the capability of an SUV and fully equipped with modern technology, this refined, sporty EV is designed to make it affordable, considerably electrifying daily drives of people.

Equinox EV is equipped with an electric motor of 290 horsepower and is believed to have 250 miles of driving range. Unlike its previous models, it comes with an all-wheel drive powertrain. Upgraded models have larger battery packs providing more than 290 miles of range; however, using the AWD option can considerably reduce the range and pay more for the EV owner. One will likely pay an additional cost for features such as heated seats, power-adjustable eight-way driver seat, roof attachments, and bigger 19 fancy wheels.″

It’s available either in only FWD or with a second motor installed for AWD; it offers all the practical luxury of a compact SUV. Its toeing capacity is 1,500 lbs, which can only be experienced in a gas-only vehicle. An EV owner driving Chevy’s old models will find its interior dimensions familiar. It can travel on Canada and America’s compatible endless roads using its Cruise hands-free driving mode.

General Motors intends to be the world’s biggest EV seller, and the invention of the Equinox EV can be a milestone to this effect. It’s a midsized SUV, going up to 300 miles. When in the fall of 2023, it will be offered for sale, its price is likely to be $13,000 less than a Ford Mustang, $1,000 than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and about $35,000 under the Tesla Model Y. Its also likely to be Chevy’s fast-growing among EVs.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Equinox is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. In front-wheel drive, its electric motor is 210 horsepower and provides enough torque to get 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The second motor, however, for all-wheel drive is 290 horsepower and, once applied, considerably reduces the EV’s range. So, the common EV owners will prefer to use only FWD mode to save power.

Range and Charging

Standard-level Equinox models have comparatively small battery packs allowing a range of 250-300 miles and going all-wheel drive effects range. 19.2 kW Level 2 charger can get 51 miles of range for an hour, and if a DC fast charger is used, every 10 minutes of charging adds 70 miles of range.

Interior and Cargo

Its interior is spacious, like the gas-only vehicle, but the cargo space is less extensive and is only 57 cubic feet.

The inside digital dashboard design is similar to the EV Silverado’s, and the styles look like the Bolt EV and EUV. Start models need more basic facilities like power-adjustable front seats. Still, the next 2LT, 3LT, and RS models have plenty of new features, such as power, adjustable and heated seats, climate control, and a sunroof.

Infotainment and Connectivity

As mentioned earlier, an 11.0-inch digital display is the feature of every Equinox. An 11.0-inch array is provided in the 1LT model, but a 17.0-inch display is provided in RS and 2LT for an additional cost. Still, we are determining the optional feature of Chevy, but Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard. 

Safety and Features for Driver-Assistance

All models have basic driver-assist features like computer-controlled automatic braking, auto headlamps, and lane-keeping assist. It is available with General Motor’s Super hands-free Cruise driving for buyers looking for cutting-edge technology. The following are necessary safety measures:

• The traditional automated emergency braking system with pedestrian detection
• Cruise control and hands-free driving mode
• Lane change warning with lane-keeping assist

Maintenance Coverage and warranty

It will offer a limited warranty for the components of the electric powertrain. It will include the first service visit, but the overall warranty coverage needs to be much higher than the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

• 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty
• A powertrain warranty is valid for five years/60,000 miles.
• Free maintenance includes one servicing visit. 
• Eight years or 100,000 miles for battery-operated components.

specifications

• Upfront cost: As low as $30,000
• Running cost: low
• Seats: 4
• Battery kWh: 200
• Wallbox charging time: 7 hours with an 11.5kW (48 amp)  charger
• Fast charging time: 70 miles of range in just 10 minutes
• Cargo Space: 57 cubic feet
• Weight: 4,200 lbs 
• Range: 200-300 miles(400-480 km)
• Acceleration: 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds
• Warranty: 8-year/100,000-mile
• Peak power up to 290 horsepower
• Torque: 242 pound-feet 
• Super 17.7-inch display screen
• Driver assistance technology CruiseTM
• FWD with AWD

Blazer EV

Blazer EV, like other Chevy EVs, doesn’t share its name with any conventional gas-powered vehicles; instead, it’s new of its kind. This model is available in multiple colors, trims, and battery packs. Its Ultium battery platform offers flexibility in the speed of charging and performance.

The Blazer EV is a good-looking, sporty crossover, and it comes with many powertrains of RWD, FWD, and AWD.

This vehicle uses the Ultium battery technology of General Motors, which accelerates range and performance and is said to have a range of more than 320 miles on a single charge.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

It will hit 60 miles in just 4.0 seconds with an electric motor of 557 horsepower. Blazer Ev’s various trims are available in all driving modes, including front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive. Its 1 LT model is only available in front-wheel drive arrangement, and 2 LT can be found in either FWD or AWD modes. RS is available in all three driving modes, including FWD, RWD, and AWD.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

RS model is available with the highest range of 320 miles, and the 1LT will travel 247 miles, 2LT is said to travel 293, and SS 290 miles with a single battery charge. Blazer EV with a 190 kW DC fast charger can add 78 miles in only 10 minutes.

Safety and Features for Driver-Assistance 

It will host a variety of standard features like assistance in parking, emergency braking, service in lane-keeping, and a hands-free Super Cruise driving system.

• Pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking lane-departure alert with lane-keeping assistance
• Hands-free driving mode with adaptive cruise control

Maintenance Coverage and warranty

Chevrolet offers limited coverage for the components electric powertrain of the Blazer EV, which includes the first service visit. But generally, the coverage falls short of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

• 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty
• The warranty for the powertrain is valid for 60,000 miles or five years.
• Free maintenance includes one visit. 
• Electric components are warranted for 100,000 miles or eight years.

Specifications

• Upfront cost: $44,995
• Running cost: low
• Seats: 5
• Battery weight: 1,200 pounds
• Battery kWh: 102 kWh
• Wallbox charging time: 7 hours
• Fast charging time: 78 miles in 10 minutes
• Cargo Space: 59.2-cubic feet 
• Weight: 4295 pounds
• Range 320 miles (EPA estimates)
• Acceleration 0 to 60—4 seconds
• Top speed: 130 mph/209 km/h
• Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Peak power: 557 horsepower
• 17.7-inch Freeform display screen
• Driveline: FWD, RWD, or AWD
• Super Cruise™ driver assistance technology

Silverado EV

Silverado EV is the most powerful with the most extended mileage in the Chevrolet EVs lineup. It’s powered by a 660 horsepower of electric motor and about 780 lb-feet of torque. Its cargo space is marvelous from the interior to the front trunk, and when talking to the towing capacity, it even leaves its gas-powered rival far behind.

It resembles a mini pickup truck, and its powertrain is like the GMC Hummer. One can find more cargo space by folding the mid-seat. A large battery pack is placed at the bottom to provide a range of 400 miles, and with DC fast charging, 100 miles of range is delivered in 10 minutes. 

Its standard all-wheel drive uses dual motors of 664 horsepower, and with these powerful dual motors, it can pull a weight of 10,000 pounds.

Specifications

• Upfront cost: $39,900
• Running cost: low: High
• Seats: 5
• Battery weight: 
• Battery kWh: 200 kWh
• Wallbox charging time is 10 hours for the full charge
• Fast charging time: 100 miles in 10 minutes
• Cargo Space: over 9 feet of total storage
• Weight: 8,000 pounds (36,29 kg)
• Range 400 miles
• Acceleration 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds
• Driveline: AWD 
• Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles
• Peak power: 664 hp
• 14 available camera views
• Towing capacity: 10,000lbs 
• Air suspension is available

Conclusion

There is always a visible appetite for cheaper electric vehicles among EV aspirants. Chevrolet has come forward by introducing its cheapest EVs starting from $27,000, which is playing a role in electrifying the world. Most EV manufacturers that’s costs are $50,000 or upwards are losing ground in favor of cheaper EVs.